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2012 nissan 370z Model Overview

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As the successor to Nissan’s storied Z car, the 2012 Nissan 370Z has some pretty big shoes to fill. Such high expectations for the reborn Z car drove Nissan’s engineers to produce a sports car that comes close to being better than the original. The formula starts with a sleek, curvy body that’s better-proportioned than the model that preceded the 2012 370Z, the 350Z. Another winning ingredient is then added to the mix — Nissan’s 3.7-liter VQ-series V-6, an engine that has won countless awards over the years. A far cry from the 3.0-liter VQ engine we loved in the ’90s-era Maxima, the 3.7-liter in the Z has been further developed Nissan engineers, who were able to squeeze 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque out of a naturally-aspirated V-6.

Ranging from mild to wild, the 370Z comes in several different flavors. The “base” 370Z is the standard, no-frills version. That’s not to say it doesn’t have any features, as it comes with a good amount of content even in stripped-down from. An upgraded Touring model offers more luxury and convenience features, while the Nismo 370Z ups the ante with a sport-tuned suspension and a 350-hp version of the standard model’s V-6. Handling is one of the Z’s strong points, and the Nismo model shows this attribute off by adding a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber.

Some of the 370Z’s standard features include electroluminescent gauges, one-touch auto up and down windows, a shift light for manual transmission-equipped models, and Nissan’s Intelligent Key locking and push-button ignition feature.

In 2011, the 370Z celebrated 40 years in the U.S. market with the 40th Anniversary Edition model, which came in a Graphite Gray paint color and offered a unique red leather interior. That model also added 40th Anniversary badging, smoke-finished 19-inch alloy wheels (forged by RAYS Engineering in Japan), and red-painted Nissan sport brake calipers. With much of the celebration taking place last year for the Z, Nissan has a relatively quiet 2012 model year planned for its flagship two-seater. The 332-hp 3.7-liter V-6 carries over in the standard model, while the 350-hp 3.7-liter is the sole engine available in the Nismo 370Z – and still just as potent as last year. Nissan’s hard drive-based navigation system with seven-inch touch screen is available, and comes with an iPod/USB adapter, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio enabled, and DVD playback capability. Available for some six-speed manual-equipped 370Z models is a trick SynchroRev Match system, which can automatically rev-match downshifts.

In many ways, the 370Z’s styling recalls that of the original 240Z. Like that classic Japanese coupe, the Nissan 370Z features a dramatically raked roofline. Its long hood and short rear overhang gives it a silhouette that’s hard to mistake for anything other than a rear-drive sports car. The rear quarter window emulates the shape of the one found on the 240Z, lending it a visual tie to its roots. Besides paying homage to its ancestor, the 370Z also evolves the styling of its direct predecessor, the 350Z. Though the Z car may have become bigger with each generation until the 350Z, the 370Z actually reverses that trend. The car shrinks a total of 3.9 inches in the wheelbase, and 2.7 inches in overall length compared to the previous model. Much of Nissan’s current design language can be seen in the 370Z’s styling, including notched headlights and taillights — a styling cue first seen on the current Maxima. Two body styles are available, including a hatchback coupe and convertible roadster. While the roadster looks great with the top down, the lines are disrupted when the soft top is in place. A more track-focused look can be found in the Nismo 370Z, which adds unique body work, a fixed rear wing, and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.

The 370Z’s interior is geared toward enthusiasts’ tastes, so some might not appreciate its somewhat racy and visually loud design. The gauge cluster is mostly exposed, and juts out away from the dashboard. The outer gauges are surrounded by a silver plastic trim, meant to imitate the look of brushed aluminum. The dash itself is upright, and topped with three more gauges molded into the center. All models get an eight-way manual adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable passenger’s seat. Cloth upholstery is the only option in base models, while Touring models are upgraded with leather and synthetic suede seats. The Nismo 370Z gets custom red-stitched cloth seats along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Nismo-badged gauges, and a plaque of authenticity complete with serial number and manufacture date. Aluminum-trimmed pedals come standard in both Touring and Nismo models. A navigation system is available on the Touring model only, and comes with an iPod/USB adapter, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio enabled, and DVD playback capability.

The Nissan 370Z redeems any performance shortcomings of the previous 350Z by cutting weight, adding power, and reducing size. Aluminum bits replace many parts previously made of heavier steel, including the hood reinforcements, doors, and front suspension cradle. Compared to the previous model, the 2012 370Z gets a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, but 0.5-inch wider front track and 2.2-inch wider rear, which gives it a more-planted stance. This adds to the Z’s performance credentials, as does the 3.7-liter VQ-series V-6, which produces 332 hp and 270 hp. That engine is tweaked to 350 hp and 276 lb-ft in the Nismo 370Z, which also gets a sport-tuned suspension, forged aluminum 19-inch wheels, and Yokohama ADVAN high-performance tires. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on all models, while a SynchroRev Match-equipped six-speed manual, which can automatically rev-match downshifts, is available on base and Touring models, and standard on Nismo 370Z models. A seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an auto rev-matching feature is also available as an option.

All 370Z models get dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat-mounted sensors, driver and passenger front side impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with head protection as standard safety equipment. An ABS system along with Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VSC) system with traction control and Tire Pressure Monitoring system is also standard. An in-mirror back-up camera display is available as a stand-alone option.

2012 Nissan 370Z Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$32,280

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$20,550

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

2012 Nissan 370Z News and Reviews

For 2012, the Nissan 370Z Roadster once again offers the classic open-top sports car motoring experience - with its legendary Z-exclusive balance of dynamic performance, sculptured styling, innovative technology and exceptional value. For the new model year the Z Roadster is available in a choice of 370Z Roaster with 7-speed automatic, and the 370Z Roadster Touring with 6-speed manual or…